Dal Baht

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23

A comforting blend of lentils and rice simmered with cumin, turmeric, and ginger, reflecting traditional Tibetan hospitality. This asian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs rinsed masoor dal, rinsed basmati rice, tablespoon vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving

Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

1 cup, rinsed masoor dal
1 cup, rinsed basmati rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium, finely chopped onion
2 cloves, minced garlic
1 inch, grated ginger
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups water
to taste salt
2 tablespoons, chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and cook until they pop (30 seconds).
Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch grated ginger. Sauté until onion is golden (5 minutes).
Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed masoor dal, 1 cup rinsed basmati rice, 3 cups water, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Season with salt.
Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice and lentils are tender and water is absorbed.
Step 5: Fluff with a fork and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dal Baht take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Dal Baht?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed masoor dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dal Baht?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Dal Baht for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Dal Baht vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.